CHAPTER 1: GETTING THERE 
Moving to Hawai`i.

 August 1
Yes, we're moving to the Big Island! After years of snow (100 inches and 60 inches just in the previous two years) and living on a corner lot with lots of snow-acreage, we were ready for good weather year round. 

Look at all that snow!  We didn't know where to go with it anymore!
Our new hometown will be Honoka'a on the north end of the Big Island.  It's a small town, 2000 people. It has no big-box stores, but does have what we will need, including an old-fashioned hardware store. They have everything a Home Depot might have, and a few things they might not, like the new washboards in the front window.  I won't need a washboard - I have my Grandmother's.

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Spam Shelf at KTA in Waimea
Spam Shelf at KTA in WaimeaSpam Shelf at KTA in WaimeaSpam Shelf at KTA in Waimea
Spam Shelf at KTA in Waimea
There are lots of cool murals in Honoka'a on the sides of buildings. The downtown's buildings are from the 1920's - 30's. Not much has been updated, which gives the town a unique feel.
This mural of Hawaiians planting taro is on the elementary school building. There's another on the building where I've taken yoga classes. The teacher is a beautiful person, inside and out. She's been so welcoming. 

I'm glad I already have a yoga teacher. That continuity is important to my spiritual wellness.
Here's the vegetable stand that's only a block from my house. They pack a lot of veggies in that little building. The picture here is only a part of it. To the left is another whole section with flowers and squash. 

The ladies are friendly. They even traded me some cabbage and tomatoes for a basket of my avocados.
Look at these cool storefronts downtown. People live in the apartments above the stores. It's such a cute little main street - called Mamane Street. First thing in the morning, it's pretty quiet - no traffic, not even many pedestrians. Then again, there aren't many people living here.
Spam Display at Foodland, in Waimea
Spam Display at Foodland, in WaimeaSpam Display at Foodland, in WaimeaSpam Display at Foodland, in Waimea
Spam Display at Foodland, in Waimea
Spam Display at Foodland, in Waimea
Spam Display at Foodland, in WaimeaSpam Display at Foodland, in WaimeaSpam Display at Foodland, in Waimea
Spam Display at Foodland, in Waimea
Spam Display at Foodland, in Waimea
Spam Display at Foodland, in WaimeaSpam Display at Foodland, in WaimeaSpam Display at Foodland, in Waimea
Spam Display at Foodland, in Waimea
Spam Display at Foodland, in Waimea
Spam Display at Foodland, in WaimeaSpam Display at Foodland, in WaimeaSpam Display at Foodland, in Waimea
Spam Display at Foodland, in Waimea
Spam Display at Foodland, in Waimea
Spam Display at Foodland, in WaimeaSpam Display at Foodland, in WaimeaSpam Display at Foodland, in Waimea
Spam Display at Foodland, in Waimea
When we decide to use our vacations to look for a place to retire, we explored warm locations with water. Hawai`i drew us back several times.
We spent a couple of vacations mostly on the dry touristy side of the Big Island, where we did all the touristy stuff, including swimming with dolphins. As I look back on it, I don't feel great about that particular excusion. Seems like it exploited the captive dolphins.
Soon we discovered the lush wet side of the island, and we began to spend most of our time there. 
Besides botanical gardens, waterfalls, the active volcano, and historical sites like the petroglyphs left by historic peoples, this side of the island was authentic,with real people living real lives. We found a school for the girls, and knew we'd settle down in a town within driving distance of the school.
Petroglyphs chiseled into lava near Chain of Craters Road in Volcanoes National Park.
Akaka Falls near Hilo.